Rating: 
Summary: A Home by the Tiber
Review: Scott and Kimberly Hahn may be the poster couple of modern Roman Catholic apologetics. They are young, likable, and enthusiastic about their faith. Having both converted from Reformed Protestantism, they now rank among the most popular speakers for Rome with an extensive catalogue of books and tapes to their name.
Rome Sweet Home is their tale of the conversion process they underwent from their time at seminary through Scott's tenure as pastor in an offshoot Presbyterian denomination to their coming to terms with the historic Church. This is a familiar theme with those who have watched the growing tide of evangelical pastors moving to Rome and Orthodoxy in recent years, but the Hahns were among the earliest of this new wave of converts and their story has greatly influenced others.
The book has them take turns with each giving their thoughts as they remember them for a given period in the conversion process. The personalities and the dynamics between them become evident early on as Scott comes off as the crusader for purity (a trait common among young males with a new found faith) while Kimberly is far more the romantic with dreams of an ideal life in God's service with a perfect husband and children. This dream is dashed by Scott's growing infatuation with all things Catholic - an infatuation she grows to accept and eventually make her own - but at a much slower rate than her husband. Eventually the two both find a joyous home in the Roman fold and a desire to share it with others.
The storyline is restricted to their personal conversion process and is not intended as a systematic defense of Roman doctrine. Issues of greater importance to them (sanctity of life, authority) are emphasized and their conclusions may not be as convincing to those with differing theological priorities. However, for those looking to Rome as an escape from the current triviality of contemporary Protestantism, their reasons to leave for Rome would be quite compelling.
There are, however, two points where informed opponents of Roman Catholic claims - even those who agree with the Hahns' indictment of the ahistorical tenor of modern Protestantism - would object most vigorously. Any thorough case for Roman Catholic claims should consider the major variants in beliefs. While it is understandable that, in a book not purporting to be systematic, the topics would not be covered thoroughly, the authors should at least acknowledge their existence and give a surface analysis of their perceived weaknesses.
The first of these is their framing of differences between Protestantism and Catholicism in terms of an either/or dichotomy. Thus we must either take the Roman Catholic Church as the infallible determiner of Tradition or go it alone. There is consideration neither of Tradition as the Faith handed on with Holy Scripture as both an infallible witness to and epiphenomena of that Tradition (the Orthodox view) nor as Tradition as a generally reliable but not infallible interpreter of Holy Scripture (as held by many Anglicans and Lutherans). The denial of the necessary role of Tradition may be common among rank and file Evangelicals in the United States, but this is far from the case with thoughtful scholars who recognize the role of their own ecclesial traditions without claiming the distinctive beliefs inherited from those traditions constitute an infallible witness.
The second point is the Hahn's comparison of Roman Catholicism in theory to other Christian Churches in practice. Any Church is most appealing in the words and lives of its most saintly practitioners. It is when those ideals get transferred to the pews on a weekly basis that things get a little messy. For example, when discussing why he chose Rome over Orthodoxy among the historic Churches, Scott Hahn rejects the Orthodox Church as hopelessly divided along ethnic lines - clearly a problem of the Orthodox faithful and not the Orthodox faith. However, when confronted with the lackluster faith found among many Roman Catholics, he does not consider this a strike against Rome. Similarly, he criticizes contemporary Protestant worship and points out how it fails in comparison to the patristic model, but surely he cannot believe that the ICEL translation of the Novus Ordo Mass used in the U.S. can compare favorably with, say, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom? Such uneven comparisons indicate he may have already decided upon Rome as his final destination even as he was allegedly considering alternatives.
Even so, the Hahns do manage to make a heartfelt case for their restlessness in the chaotic atmosphere that has overtaken much of the contemporary Evangelical movement without conveying any lingering bitterness toward other Christians. For those on the way to Rome, it will be an uplifting read and provide encouragement for the journey. Those firmly in the Protestant camp will not find the arguments for Rome very convincing, but they may gain an understanding for the reasons so many Protestant clergy have defected to the historic Churches. Rather than conjecture about purported psychological reasons for the recent departure of so many Protestant pastors to Rome, a thorough critique of contemporary Evangelical thought and worship might lead to a reform by the standards of Holy Scripture - something to which no sincere Protestant should ever object.
Rating: 
Summary: Pray before you read this book! What a journey!
Review: My husband and I are 76 and 70 and have been strong "Bible" Christian believers and teachers. For the last 33 years we have been active in Church and in national (and international) Bible Studies. We are becoming Catholic with NO RESERVATIONS! Something we never thought could or would happen to us. This book will open your mind to TRUTHS you have never seen before.
I give this book to others but tell them, "Pray because it will change your life!" You next need your Bible, Keatings books, and a Catechism. Get ready for a new but very exciting and blessed life. You will fall in love with Jesus allllllll over again. The Catholic Church will become your Rome Sweet Home! See you in heaven. Terry
Rating:
Summary: Great great book
Review: This is an excelent book for anyone who embraces the catholit religion. It is a very beautiful narrative of the convertion process of a protestant couple. Great time reading it !!!
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring!
Review: This book is both an inspiring personal testimony and a convincing apology for the Catholic faith. I was especially impressed with the Hahns' conversion story because they had nothing to gain but spiritual fulfillment. They parted with career, friends, family, etc., for the sake of the truth. Their motivation for converting gives them a lot of credibility in my opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Why so much anger?
Review: I am amazed at the anger of those who give this book one star. I haven't read this book. Hahn must have hit a nerve with this one. I think I will need to read it.
Rating:
Summary: Two incredible conversion stories
Review: I do not remember reading of any conversions to Catholicism quite like those of Scott and Kimberly Hahn. Scott's testimony is impressive enough alone, but when it is read as one-half of a story that is completed by Kimberly's perspective, it becomes something deeper and more dramatic. For "Rome Sweet Home" is also the story of a marriage that survived what has killed many other unions in the past: the radical, life-changing conversion of one spouse that the other does not share.The Hahns' testimonies are very different. When I first perused this book, I felt that Scott's story was closest to my own (though I am not a convert, but a "revert"--a cradle Catholic who ran away but came back). His approach was very intellectual and based on Scripture. Dr. Hahn knows the Bible back and forth, has studied Latin, Greek and Hebrew, has earned degrees in theology, and has been exposed to the best Catholic and Protestant thinkers. In short, the man knows whereof he speaks! Whenever he related how study of Scripture opened his eyes to something, I found myself getting excited because he was making so much sense. His biblical justification of infant baptism blew me away--and that was just the beginning. In "Rome Sweet Home", he gives very logical insights on sola fide and sola scriptura. As for Kimberly Hahn, her conversion was more emotional, though this is not necessarily a bad thing! I could not relate to her in the beginning, but I lately find myself recalling _her_ words and realizing that our journeys have so much in common. Both her conversion and my reversion cut so deeply into our souls that they became agonizing. She and I have asked soul-searching questions and received insights that would never stand up to debate, but which have touched our hearts (where any true conversion/reversion takes place). This may be an awfully big claim to make, but I also believe that she and I were ultimately convinced not by the clarity and logic of Catholic apologetics, but by grace working in suffering. Whoever criticizes how emotional converts can be has no idea how deep the anguish can go and has gone, or that this anguish (including Scott's own) is as much a part of conversion as detached study. This was my introduction to the Hahns and now I can't get enough of them. "Rome Sweet Home" is great, but it is curds and whey compared to what else they have churned out. Please note that all this book gives is the "bird's eye view" of a journey that took a very long time and a great deal of study. Therefore, some essentials may have been explained vaguely or skipped all together. For the "worm's eye view," one should read Dr. Hahn's other books and transcripts of his lectures. I recommend "Salvation History" (if I remember the title correctly), a series of five lectures in which Dr. Hahn really examines God's covenants and explains how the New Testament is hidden in the Old and the Old revealed in the New. "Rome Sweet Home" devotes only a few paragraphs to this amazing subject--the surface of which was all Dr. Hahn was able to skim, even with five hours at his disposal. From there, read the book "The Lamb's Supper", which is about the Mass, something else only lightly touched in "Rome Sweet Home". Trust me: they're worth it!
Rating: 
Summary: It gets worse the more you think about it
Review: Upon reading the book, one can get caught up in the emotional experiences of Scott and Kimberly Hahn, and even begin to think that they have found, not just the answer for themselves, but the answer for all thinking and exploring and dissatisfied Evangelicals. The first time I read the book, I was intrigued and somewhat captivated, and I tried to convince myself that maybe the Roman Catholic Church was the answer for my dilemmas with the church. I also read a number of other similar books, including Surprised By Truth and Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic. I even listened to Scott's testimony tape, and bought and read his books on Revelation and Mary. (I also looked seriously at the Orthodox church. It, too, has its famous converts from Evangelicalism (e.g., Peter Gilquist, Franky Schaeffer), and their testimonies, books, etc.) But the more I read, the less convinced I became. Upon reading the Hahns' book a second time, while I was again stirred by the emotions that reading it can raise, later reflection made it clear to me just how much emotion was involved. Kimberly's conversion seems to be nothing but emotion-driven and emotion-confirmed, though she does document her reading and studying to answer and explore the questions and doubts she had. Despite my best efforts to be convinced by the Hahns, or even to convince myself (because I have definite problems with the present-day Evangelical and Charismatic Protestant church(es), even though I have been attending them for 26 years), there are just too many things that they distort or gloss over or simplify or pretend aren't issues to convince me. For example, a big deal is made out of their discovery (contra sola fide) that our salvation is not by faith alone, but by grace alone. Yet, Paul's argument in the early chapters of Romans seems to contradict this Ephesians 2:5,8 gospel the Hahns are preaching. I gave this book 1 star to offset the many 5-star ratings it's being given. I would actually give it 1-1/2 or 2 stars, because it's not a bad book, and may do so later if I edit my review or change my rating. If you think this book has convinced you, as an Evangelical, to become a Roman Catholic, please do some searching on the Internet and in bookstores to read the other side of the story, the things the Hahns oversimplify or don't even address.
Rating: 
Summary: Reasons for coming "home" falls short, unfortunately
Review: As interesting as the accounts are in this book, the reader should hold off heading down to the local Catholic church and enrolling in catechism classes just yet. There are problems of several varieties with this book, not the least of which are the basic arguments presented by the authors. The book's foreword is written by Scott Hahn who, with his wife Kimberly, has become a high-visibility ex-evangelical. They have written a book, Rome Sweet Home, which describes their journey to Roman Catholicism. In the volume under review, Hahn states that part of his journey is a "horror story." This is because of the "staunch, Bible-based Evangelical Protestants who've thought and taught...that Catholics are not even Christians" (p. 10). Now, I know the people Hahn likely has in mind through their writings - and some even personally. Yes, they vigorously defend the principles that emerged from the Reformation (such as sola fide and sola Scriptura), but it is a bit of a stretch to characterize them as Catholic-bashers. Hahn then muses about the "beatific vision" in heaven, where the convert to Roman Catholicism (referred to as a "former theological step-child") is presented to "his Father, Almighty God, and to Mary, his mother and queen...next to his elder brother King Jesus...." It must be admitted that some Protestants - reacting to the excessive attention by Roman Catholics to the Blessed Virgin Mary - have undervalued her person and contribution to Christianity. Mary can be rightfully understood as the "God-bearer" in the narrow sense that she is the one who carried in her womb and gave birth to our Savior in His humanity. For this she is indeed due honor from all Christians. The problem with Hahn, however is, he seems in the above picture to draw undue attention to her. One slights our "elder brother King Jesus" at one's eternal peril. On the other hand, no one will be deprived of heaven for not paying enough heed to the Virgin Mary. Here are a few of the doctrinal difficulties that repeatedly surface in these testimonies. 1) Anti-Catholic Background. Most of these stories mention a strident, virulent anti-Catholicism that permeated the evangelical backgrounds of these converts. I came to faith in Christ through this same background and have moved in evangelical circles for more than 40 years. While Catholic bashing was not unheard of, discussions of Roman Catholicism were generally balanced, and the notion that Catholics could not be Christians was not universally held. Many protestants understood that despite the disputes occasioned by the Reformation, both Luther and Calvin asserted that the Roman church - while flawed - was nevertheless a legitimate church. 2) Faulty Understanding of Luther and Calvin. Paul Thigpen, in his testimonial chapter, speaks of the "arid, rigid predestination of Calvin". This sounds like the Pelagian complaint against Augustine! Calvin (like the other magisterial Reformers) had the highest regard for Augustine, and built his soteriological formulations on Augustine's (as well as the Anselmic) model. In fact, one Catholic apologist has stated that - with some minor adjustments - the well-known Calvinistic formula represented by the acrostic "TULIP" can be understood as accurately reflecting the traditional Catholic position. 3) Martin Luther comes in for some harsh treatment as well. Both Julie Swenson and Dave Armstrong misstate Luther's positions. Armstrong mentions the insights he received from the works of Hartmann Grisar. This German Jesuit was a notorious Luther-basher whose work has been discredited by both Roman Catholics and Protestant scholars. Bob Sungenis (111) also engages in what appears to be ad hominem attacks against the Reformers. 4) The Teaching Authority of the Catholic Church. Both James Akin and Catholics in general tie the belief that Peter is the "rock" to acceptance of the teaching authority of the Catholic church. Let's clear the air and state that the Protestant complaint with the Roman Catholic Petrine doctrine is not that Jesus may have designated Peter as "rock". Many evangelical scholars believe Jesus was indicating that His church would be built on the apostles (of which Peter was the chief spokesman) and the prophets (Eph. 2:20). Protestant concerns stem from the implications Roman Catholicism draws from this declaration. One can hold to the Petrine declaration without referring to the bishop of Rome as "the Vicar of Christ on earth." Eastern Orthodoxy shares this position as well; indeed, this was one of the major causes of the East/West schism (AD. l054). The above criticisms notwithstanding, the reader should not assume that we can find nothing of value in this book. These stories depict seemingly genuine Christians who, for various reasons (mistakenly, I maintain), changed their ecclesiastical affiliations. We would do well to examine their reasons for leaving evangelicalism; some reveal failings within their own camps that need to be addressed. We should take the opportunity to understand our common Christian heritage and sharpen our presentation of Reformed distinctives. We can rejoice in what we have in common and yet be resolute in defending essentials such as sola Scriptura and sola fide. There is no room in this dialogue for misrepresentation on either side. There are plenty of authentic theological differences between Roman Catholics and evangelicals to address without resorting to ad hominem attacks or the knocking down of "straw men," as happens too often in both Protestant and Catholic polemics.
Rating:
Summary: A Personal Journey to Catholicism
Review: Wonderful, easy-to-read story of a well-educated Protestant pastor and his wife who discovered the richness and authenticity of the Catholic Church through years of struggle and soul-searching. A must read for anyone who is searching for spiritual truth, and is considering becoming Catholic. Also helpful for someone who comes from an Evangelical or Protestant background, especially if they have fears and misconceptions about the Catholic faith.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely amazing
Review: I converted to Catholicism just over a year ago. This was a process which took me several years of studying and discerning my faith. During the time leading up to my conversion, a friend recommended this book to me along with several others. I did not read it at the time. However, I bought the book the other night and read it in one sitting. I wish I had followed the advice I was given and read it earlier. The book details the process and reasoning behind the Hahn's conversion process in a very warm way. I believe it will be helpful reading to anyone considering converting to Catholicism, especially from a Protestant tradition. It is not a theological book, nor does it defend Catholicism. It is simply two people's journey. But that in itself is a wonderful thing. As I read it, I could feel myself empathizing with the authors' struggles, and I felt less unique in my own conversion.
| 
